- April 16, 2024
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Jake Bolds wears his father's gear with his mother Tricia Bolds.
Keith Lazarcheck and Mark Lucas represent Station 11.
A batch of chili from the Sarasota County Fire Department Station 16.
North Port Fire Rescue displays the trophy as the reigning champion for the Morton's Chili Cook Off.
The cast of characters representing the North Port Fire Rescue went with a Disney theme in honor of a former colleague.
Mark Peters, Tanya Farley and Lucy with Sean and Nichole Davis
Lt. Ron Jekonski of the North Port Fire Rescue commemorates Christina Doyle who died of leukemia in May.
Chris O' Connor and Todd Flagg scoop chili into cups for attendees to sample.
The team from Station 12 did a theme with play on the restaurant Hooters with the name Booters. Justin Ragan, Lt. James Mattera and Andrew Waltrip sport orange shorts and white tank tops.
Southern Manatee Fire Rescue dressed up its chili with shredded cheese and green onions.
Nan Basu and Jane Hoffman
Sarah Macrae, Reva Holcombe and Joani Guttierrez
Section 8 decorated with a Justice League theme.
Mark Pitts and Robbie Jefferson of Fire Prevention participated for the first time this year in the Morton's 16th annual Chili Cook Off.
Karen and Brian Cristiano
Dan O'Connor stirs a batch of chili for the Englewood Fire Department.
Chuck Moonen checks on the chili batch for Southern Manatee Fire Rescue.
Santina and Lisa Deschle with Jack
Eric Lynn and Casey Taylor collaborated on the recipe for Boca Grande Fire Rescue.
Dan Riley totes along his friend Sammy.
Station 11 went with a ping pong theme based on the movie "Balls of Fury."
The Justice League of Section 8.
Hours of preparation and perfecting chili recipes culminated into the 16th annual Morton's Chili Cook Off Sunday afternoon in Southside Village.
The annual event pits firehouses against one another to claim the trophy and people's choice award. Funds from the event will benefit the Sarasota Fire Fighters Benevolent Fund.
Firefighters from as far north as Manatee County and south to Boca Grande put their culinary skills to the test this year. Some groups went with themes for their booths like the North Port Fire Rescue that decided on a Disney castle complete with characters like Prince Charming, Buzz Lightyear and Woody. The theme was in honor of former colleague and Disney fan Christina Doyle who died in May after a battle with leukemia.
Most booths refused to spill their secret recipes but insisted that their chili was made with love. Jason Wilkens was the chef behind the chili for Section 8 Fire House. He let us in on their secret of using chipotle peppers and balsamic vinegar in the recipe.
"Every year we don't place, we do something different," Wilkins said.
